Hritz: Steelers Mock Draft 2013 – Final Version

By Jeremy Hritz

The 2013 NFL Draft is finally here, and so is my final mock draft. This is the fourth iteration of my mock draft, and I still have the Steelers making a trade with their first round pick, this time with Atlanta. In my previous mock, as many of you pointed out, I severely undervalued the 17th overall pick in the trade I forecasted with Buffalo; however, this mock, I have the Steelers acquiring the appropriate value in trading the 17th pick to Atlanta for their 30th pick in the first round, their second round pick, and their fifth round pick. Again, the Steelers can improve their roster more by acquiring more picks, and by trading down, they can do just that. If Jarvis Jones is snagged by New Orleans and neither Chance Warmack or Jonathan Cooper are not available at # 17, then it is a strong possibility they will trade down or out.

Since several of the players in my final mock draft are carryovers from my first three versions, the commentary that I provide is minimal to avoid redundancy. Only those players new to my mock receive analysis.

A new addition to my mock draft. The Steelers are definitely thin at inside linebacker, and they are in need of help. Klein recorded four interception returns for touchdowns during his career, and he has a sneaky athleticism to go along with his production. He has excellent instincts and is a sound tackler who served IowaState as a captain for two years. Is not considered the most physical linebacker, but his reliability, production, and leadership will be attractive to the Steelers.

Mills is another new addition to my mock, as the Steelers need to add some depth at the tackle position, and that is what they will do with Mills. He is projected to be a right tackle. Can handle power rushers, but struggles with speed off of the edge. Will be a project.

6. Pick # 206: Jeff Baca, G – UCLA, 6’4, 302 – 4.98 forty yard dash

A carryover. Limited athletically, but plays with a high motor and is committed to his craft. Will need time to develop. Provides for depth.

I don’t know squat about Football but I like the extra picks and names mentioned, yes.

steepens

I like the trade down, and disagree with you only in the order of the 1st 5 picks. I hope the Steelers pick LB/S/DL in rounds 1-3, RB and WR in 4 and 5. i think the WR talent is drops after Patterson and Austin but quality and value are found in rounds 3-5. Similar for RB.